ATHENS — Celestyal Cruises has released new details about its new ship, Celestyal Journey, following its multimillion dollar refurbishment and technical overhaul.

Celestyal Journey is getting ready to set sail Sept. 2, 2023.

Highlights include …

• An exclusive Stargazer Suite – the first Celestyal penthouse suite offering a luxury cruising experience
• 148 balcony suites – more Dream Suites than ever before
• Seven specialty dining experiences, including the private chef’s table, live cooking demonstrations, Asian cuisine at Pink Moon, Greek grazing at Fig and Honey, and fresh Mediterranean bites from Smoked Olive
• Light bars and lounges including a champagne bar and wine cellar
• Two pools, an entire deck dedicated to wellness and the immersive Sozo Spa
• A curated and immersive range of experiences highlighting local influence, both on board and on shore
• Two fully equipped conference spaces and multi-purpose Amphitheatr
• Celestyal Journey’s 630 Dream Suites and Cosmos Cabins offer far more than just a place to sleep, says the cruise line: “They are designed as a sanctuary to unwind and relax as guests embark on their adventures on the Aegean Sea.”

Meanwhile the Stargazer Suite offers a premium luxury cruise experience. There are also 120 Junior Dream Suites and 28 Grand Dream Suites, all with balconies. In total the ship boasts 80% outside cabins, with 55% exterior Cosmos Cabins.

All Dream Suite guests also have access to The Beach Club, a secluded and tranquil outdoor space, with ice cream stations and juice corners. Guests booked in Grand Dream Suites also have access to Celestyal’s Concierge Service which features a dedicated priority check-in counter, expedited embarkation and express luggage delivery service including assistance with unpacking. A dedicated Celestyal Concierge will be available in the exclusive-use Compass Lounge to assist Grand Suite guests with tailored service requests.

For entertainment, The Amphitheatro is a live show lounge that spans two decks, plus there’s live music throughout the ship, cooking workshops and lectures. Celestyal Journey will also offer a range of activities and facilities to keep younger guests entertained, from a Kids Club to arcade games.

“We are very excited to be able to share more details about our new enhanced sailing experience onboard the Celestyal Journey. We have used invaluable feedback from our guests as well as industry research to elevate our existing quality product and deliver a new premium stay-in-style experience for guests of our new ship,” said Celestyal’s CEO, Chris Theophilides. “By introducing special curated elements such as our penthouse, a mouthwatering range of Mediterranean cuisine offerings, Chef’s Table, wellness deck and expanded cultural adventures, we are hoping to meet our guests’ desire for a sense of adventure, providing them with authentic memorable moments that fulfill their search for personal growth and improved quality of life.”

Celestyal Journey will take over the Celestyal Crystal’s program, initially on its popular seven-night ‘Idyllic Aegean’ itinerary visiting Athens, Thessaloniki, Kusadasi, Heraklion (Crete), Santorini. Mykonos and Milos.

Following the inaugural Idyllic Aegean sailings starting Sept. 2, Celestyal Journey will continue in October with the ‘Steps of Paul’ itinerary calling on Athens, Thessaloniki, Kavala, Istanbul, Dikili, Kusadasi and Patmos, followed by the seven-night ‘Three Continents’ itinerary, visiting Greece, Egypt, Israel, Cyprus, and Turkey.

Celestyal Journey will also offer two exclusive holiday sailings. An 11-night special Christmas voyage calls on Thessaloniki, Izmir, Crete, Antalya, Limassol, with two days in Alexandria and an overnight visit in Haifa (Israel) to spend both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Holy Land. This can be combined with the New Year’s eight-night departure visiting Heraklion, Rhodes, Kusadasi, overnighting in Istanbul before calling Volos.